Pennsylvania Legislative Science & Technology Policy Fellow (Local Government Commission)

Penn State University•University Park, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Science and Technology Policy (COPA-STEP) Program, part of the Law, Policy and Engineering (LPE) Initiative in the College of Engineering, serves as the applied practice branch of LPE’s interdisciplinary mission. COPA-STEP specializes in real-world policy engagement and professional development, reinforcing LPE's mission to produce actionable knowledge that supports public, environmental, and scientific welfare. COPA-STEP aims to strengthen ties between the scientific community and the General Assembly in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, while encouraging and equipping more scientists and engineers with the skills for effective careers in government and public service. The Pennsylvania General Assembly regularly deals with science or technology-related issues, and legislators and staff could utilize science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) expertise. The Pennsylvania Science and Technology Policy Fellows help bridge this gap to provide science and technical expertise to lawmakers. COPA-STEP is recruiting for a one-year Legislative Science & Technology Policy Fellow embedded in the Local Government Commission (LGC). The LGC serves as a bipartisan and bicameral service agency of the PA General Assembly, providing research and resources for more effective and efficient local government. The nonpartisan Fellow will embed with the staff of LGC in Harrisburg, PA, for twelve months starting Fall 2026. The Fellow will equip LGC with the expert knowledge and advanced research, analysis, and writing skills needed to meaningfully contribute to policy work within LGC and enable the Pennsylvania General Assembly to make sound, data-driven policy and decisions affecting local government in the commonwealth. To ensure a successful fellowship year, the Fellow will receive training from LPE/COPA-STEP in Pennsylvania state government, the Pennsylvania policy process, policy writing instruction, communicating science and technology to non-scientific audiences, and on how to be an “honest broker”, i.e., providing evidence-based, objective, and nonpartisan advice that helps expand or clarify the choices for decision-making in an unbiased way. LGC staff will manage the day-to-day work of the fellow.

Requirements

Ph.D. or terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., M.D., D.V.M., M.P.H., M.Eng., or equivalent).

Nice To Haves

Strong quantitative empirical research and data visualization skills.
Exceptional writing skills.
Ability to communicate with nontechnical audiences and translate complex ideas into easily digestible information.
Ability to take initiative and manage time well.
Interest in surveying, geography, geographic information systems, history, and archival and comparative state law research.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Pennsylvania State Geospatial Coordinating Board, the Pennsylvania Civic Boundary Working Group, LGC staff, and other stakeholders in the analysis and improvement of the methodology for the ascertainment of legal Pennsylvania civic boundary information and accurate representation in geospatial civic boundary data.
Conduct and synthesize research, write and edit a civic boundary report including recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes at the state, county, and local level.
Assist with the preparation of other reports, and create policy recommendations as assigned by LGC.
Meet both in-person and virtually with experts and stakeholders who have experience in the topic areas being studied.
Assist in preparing meeting materials, including presentations, and attend meetings, seminars, conferences, and other events at the direction of the LGC.
Manage schedule and workflow to ensure reports are completed in a timely manner.
Work in team settings.
Perform other office and administrative functions, including constituent work and the development of legislative proposals with a heavy emphasis on municipal law, as needed.
Attend trainings and weekly or bi-weekly check-ins with LPE/COPA-STEP and provide feedback, as requested.
Support occasional LPE/COPA-STEP programming.